BREEZY TURLEY returns to the tennis court in 2013 as an individual champion for the Davis Darts girls’ tennis team. Turley’s younger sister, Whitney, is also on the team this season, and have already had some early success this year.
Courtesy Photo

The Davis High girls’ tennis team has had a fantastic start to its 2013 season, winning all eight games and one tournament they’ve played in pre-season and Region 1 play. The team is also scheduled to play two games this week.

Though the team includes several freshman players, coach Andy Whalstrom is already looking ahead to the end of the season.

“I don’t have to sit down and write out goals for these girls,” he said. “They want a regional championship and a state championship.”

Two of the team’s seven varsity players are freshmen, which is unusual among high school teams. Several members of the junior varsity team are also freshmen.

“My first thought was ‘Sweet,’” said Whalstrom. “I’ve got these girls for three more years.”

One of the freshman, Whitney Turley, is the younger sister of 2012 state champion Breezy Turley. Whalstrom describes them as some of his best players on the team.

“Right now, they’re my one-two punch,” he said.

Freshman Eliza Hafen, is another strong addition.

“She’s probably my most consistent player on varsity,” said Whalstrom. “She knows when to hit and end the point and when to keep the rally going.”

Whalstrom isn’t only working with new blood, however. In addition to Turely and fellow junior Annie Gardner, there are three seniors serving as team captains — Brooke Burningham, Kendell Sargent and Emily Watson.

“I’m glad I have such strong team captains,” he said.

One heartbreak for the team is the absence of Jensen Emery. She was one of the team’s top players last year, but she sat out this season because of shoulder surgery. Instead, she’s helping the team off the court as a manager.

“I wanted her to still be around tennis and the other girls,” said Whalstrom. “We’ll see how her arm is next season.”

Until that happens, Emery’s former teammates are working to bring pride to the Davis High name.

“We still have a very deep team,” he said. “The girls have really stepped up.”

The team will head to St. George this weekend for another tournament. Whalstrom said he’s “cautiously optimistic” that his team can go all the way to the state championships.

“Anything can happen in tennis,” he said “You can have upsets a lot. But if you were betting on a team, I don’t see why you wouldn’t bet on us.”